Recent Posts

Simulated 2 Line Service Begins Saturday, Bringing Riders a Frequency Boost

On Saturday, February 14, simulated service on the full 2 Line will commence, with train operators mimicking the service patterns they intend to operate after the March 28 grand opening. Light rail riders will be able to benefit from doubled train frequency in stations from the International District to Lynnwood.
The metal awning includes the building name in red letters. The building has a white facade.

Supportive Housing Building Opens Near Seattle’s Woodland Park

DESC opened 95 supportive housing units last week in Upper Fremont. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson attended the ribbon-cutting celebration, noting the positive step toward addressing the homelessness crisis, but Trump cuts could slow the pace of similar project openings.

2026 Levy Plan Sets Stage for a New Mayor’s Transportation Priorities

The full list of 430 levy-funded projects across Seattle was mostly assembled before Mayor Katie Wilson took office. But it contains significant opportunities for the new administration to shape transportation investments over the years ahead.
Kang stands by a colorful pedestrian bridge over Aurora Avenue.

Educator Julie Kang Enters Fray in D5 Seattle Council Race

Julie Kang is running for the open seat in Seattle City Council’s District 5 this year, and is the first candidate in the race to qualify for democracy vouchers. An educator and bank founder, Kang espoused a mix of centrist and progressive views in her interview with The Urbanist.

Sunday Video: Marshawn Lynch Bikes to Victory, Seattle Seahawks Superbowl Edition

Give Marshawn Lynch the ball and a bike. The Seattle Seahawks legend is still making his presence felt cheering on his old team, or riding around your favorite city on a bike.
About 20 urbanists sit around a long table in the tavern.

Join Us for February Urbanist Socials and Waterways Presentation March 3rd

The Urbanist is hosting social meetups on February 19 (in Seattle) and February 26 (in Redmond). We're also hosting a talk on the Seattle Waterlines Project on March 3 in Capitol Hill.

Bothell Housing Boom Brewing in Wake of Recent Zoning Reforms

Pre-applications for new housing units in Bothell last year topped 1,000 for the first time in recent history, a big indicator of interest following major changes to Bothell's zoning code in 2024. Such activity makes Bothell well-positioned to buck a regional downturn in housing starts.
A Komatsu backhoe at a large midrise construction site on Stone Way in Fremont.

Seattle Poised to Remove SEPA Review Hurdle for Most Housing Projects

The Seattle City Council is proposing to scale back the range of construction projects required to get project-level State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review in a bid to boost homebuilding. The proposal will go to full council on February 10.